1st Edition
by Peter L. Privalov (Author)
Examining the physical basis of
the structure of macromolecules―proteins, nucleic acids, and their
complexes―using calorimetric techniques
Many scientists
working in biology are unfamiliar with the basics of thermodynamics and
its role in determining molecular structures. Yet measuring the heat of
structural change a molecule undergoes under various conditions yields
information on the energies involved and, thus, on the physical bases of
the considered structures. Microcalorimetry of Macromolecules offers protein scientists unique access to this important information.
Divided
into thirteen chapters, the book introduces readers to the basics of
thermodynamics as it applies to calorimetry, the evolution of the
calorimetric technique, as well as how calorimetric techniques are used
in the thermodynamic studies of macromolecules, detailing instruments
for measuring the heat effects of various processes. Also provided is
general information on the structure of biological macromolecules,
proteins, and nucleic acids, focusing on the key thermodynamic problems
relating to their structure. The book covers:
- The use of
supersensitive calorimetric instruments, including micro and
nano-calorimeters for measuring the heat of isothermal reactions
(Isothermal Titration Nano-Calorimeter), the heat capacities over a
broad temperature range (Scanning Nano-Calorimeter), and pressure
effects (Pressure Perturbation Nano-Calorimeter)
- Two of the
simplest but key structural elements: the α and polyproline helices and
their complexes, the α-helical coiled-coil, and the pyroline
coiled-coils
- Complicated macromolecular formations, including
small globular proteins, multidomain proteins and their complexes, and
nucleic acids
- Numerous examples of measuring the ground state of protein energetics, as well as changes seen when proteins interact
The
book also reveals how intertwined structure and thermodynamics are in
terms of a macromolecule's organization, mechanism of formation, the
stabilization of its three-dimensional structure, and ultimately, its
function. The first book to describe microcalorimetric technique in
detail, enough for graduate students and research scientists to
successfully plumb the structural mysteries of proteins and the double
helix, Microcalorimetry of Macromolecules is an essential introduction to using a microcalorimeter in biological studies.
